30-Day Weights: Abner Mares 133, Jhonny Gonzalez 134.6

Former two-division champ Jhonny Gonzalez checked in at just under 135 lb. during his 30-day safety weight check for his August 24 showdown versus Abner Mares.

The exact weight of 134.6 lb. was confirmed by World Boxing Council (WBC) official William Boodhoo. The maximum allowable weight 30 days out from a scheduled featherweight bout is roughly 139 lb.

The scheduled 12-round bout - which takes place at the StubHub Center (former Home Depot Center) in Carson, Calif. - marks the first defense of the featherweight belt Mares (26-0-1, 14KO) acquired from Daniel Ponce de Leon this past May. The win made Mares a champ in three weight classes, doing so by knocking out the man who ended Gonzalez’ title reign last September.

"The circumstances that led me to lose my belt have been overcome,” promises Gonzalez (54-8, 46KO), who has since won two straight. “I feel very strong and sure of what I can do.”

Gonzalez reaches a point of familiarity on the road back to redemption for once he faces Mares next month.

“I shared a training camp with Abner in Big Bear a few years ago,” Gonzalez recalls. “He is my friend, but in the ring we both want that championship. I’m going out to get the win and get my belt back. The friendship can continue another day.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox